Danny Trejo19 July 2021

The Most Killed Man In Hollywood - Danny Trejo - #347

0Frameworks

11Insights

Insights & moments

The myth-busts, hot takes, explainers, and tools worth keeping.

Myth Buster· 1

Myth Buster01:00

Cortisol Does Not Cause Belly Fat

Danny Trejo dispels the common belief that cortisol is directly responsible for causing belly fat, emphasizing that while stress hormones play a role in the body, they are not the primary driver of weight gain in the abdominal area.

Cortisol is often blamed for belly fat, but it's not the main cause.
Weight gain is more complex than just hormone levels.
Stress management is important, but diet and lifestyle matter more for fat accumulation.

“Cortisol does not cause belly fat.”
Danny Trejo · 01:00

#cortisol#myth-busting#hormones#weight-loss

Explainer· 2

Explainer04:00

How to Survive in San Quentin Prison

Trejo explains the survival tactics he learned growing up and from his uncle, emphasizing reputation, restraint, and avoiding arguments to stay alive in one of America’s most dangerous prisons.

Never fight down or be a bully.
Never take a step backward — it signals weakness.
Avoid arguments because the bottom line in prison is murder.
Reputation is built through calculated actions, not brute force.

“The bottom line to an argument is a murder.”
Danny Trejo · 06:30

#prison#san-quentin#survival#violence

Explainer28:30

How 12-Step Programs Saved My Life

Trejo explains how joining 12-step programs in prison helped him break free from heroin, alcohol, and other addictions — a journey he credits for his survival and success.

He’s been clean for over 53 years, since 1968.
First entered a 12-step meeting by accident, thinking it was a party.
Believes he couldn’t have quit alone — community and accountability are essential.
Resentment is poison; writing it out is key to recovery.

“Resentment is like me taking poison hoping you die.”
Danny Trejo · 30:00

#addiction#12-step#recovery#sobriety

Story· 5

Story08:30

How a Pair of Stolen Shoes Sparked a Mafia War

Trejo recounts how a seemingly minor theft — a pair of shoes taken from a rival gang member — escalated into a violent conflict between Mexican Mafia factions, showing how small slights can ignite major bloodshed in prison culture.

A member of the Mexican Mafia stole shoes from a rival gang member.
The shoes belonged to a 'norteno,' part of a rival faction.
When confronted, the leader refused to return them, leading to a stabbing.
This small incident sparked a larger gang war.

“A pair of shoes started a war.”
Danny Trejo · 09:30

#gangs#mexican-mafia#prison-violence#story

Story18:00

Meeting Charles Manson in Jail

Trejo describes his encounter with a young, unassuming Charles Manson in county jail, revealing how Manson used hypnosis to manipulate inmates and gain protection, long before he became infamous.

Manson was small, scruffy, and wore a string for a belt.
He hypnotized Trejo and others into believing they were high on heroin.
Inmates protected him because he could control minds.
Manson was not yet famous but already dangerous.

“He got us loaded on weed and then got us loaded on heroin — but there was no heroin.”
Danny Trejo · 19:30

#charles-manson#hypnosis#prison-story#true-crime

Story22:30

The Night I Made a Deal With God

Facing the death penalty after a prison riot, Trejo recounts praying for dignity in death — and how that moment of humility led to a second chance at life.

After being accused in a riot, he was sent to solitary with two others facing execution.
He prayed not to die screaming, begging, or in fear.
He promised to help others and say God’s name every day.
The next day, the charges were dropped — he saw it as divine mercy.

“Dear heavenly father, just let me die with dignity.”
Danny Trejo · 24:30

“By the grace of God, he said okay, I'm gonna give you a chance here.”
Danny Trejo · 24:50

#faith#redemption#prison#near-death

Story32:30

How I Accidentally Became an Actor

Trejo shares how working as a counselor led him to Hollywood — starting as an extra, meeting Eddie Bunker, and eventually training Eric Roberts for a role that launched his career.

Started as a $50-a-day extra to help a friend stay sober.
Met Eddie Bunker, who recognized him from prison boxing days.
Was paid $320 a day to train Eric Roberts for 'Runaway Train'.
Andrei Konchalovsky noticed his discipline and gave him a role.

“I was making 50 bucks a day... then Eddie says 320 a day.”
Danny Trejo · 34:30

#acting-career#hollywood#runaway-train#origin-story

Story47:30

How I Helped Kiefer Sutherland With a Threat

Trejo recounts how Kiefer Sutherland called him in panic after a crew member threatened his family — and how Trejo and a friend quietly resolved the situation without violence.

Sutherland was scared after a fired crew member threatened him.
Trejo reassured him: 'I’ll take care of it.'
He and George Perry confronted the man psychologically, not physically.
No violence occurred — just a warning and flowers sent to the wife.

“Zoom — and he told me, 'I got a problem.'”
Danny Trejo · 49:00

#kiefer-sutherland#hollywood#security#story

Q&A· 1

Q&A45:30

My Favorite Death Scene With Robert De Niro

When asked about his many on-screen deaths, Trejo highlights his scene in 'Heat' with Robert De Niro as his most powerful — a moment of mutual respect and realism.

Begged De Niro to kill him in 'Heat'.
De Niro advised: 'You're already dead — just beg.'
The scene was emotionally raw and realistic.
His daughter can’t watch it — it’s too close to his real-life past.

“Don't leave me like this... I swear to God, I have heard that a million times.”
Danny Trejo · 46:30

#acting#heat#robert-de-niro#death-scenes

Takeaway· 2

Takeaway10:30

Life Is Not an ATM Machine

Reflecting on his past criminal mindset, Trejo shares how he used to see life as a source of instant money through robbery, but now understands that real success comes from work and helping others.

Growing up, he viewed life as an ATM — rob when you need money.
This mentality led to repeated crimes and incarceration.
Now he believes dignity and service are the real sources of value.

“Life is not an ATM machine.”
Danny Trejo · 10:30

#mindset#crime#redemption#life-lessons

Takeaway57:00

Respected on Both Sides of the Fence

Trejo reflects on being respected by both Hollywood and former inmates — a rare duality that he considers the highest honor.

People in prison respect him because he lived it.
Hollywood respects him because he’s authentic.
A top Mexican Mafia member once said he’s 'blessed'.
He can walk into any prison or neighborhood and be welcomed.

“Danny Trejo is blessed because people on both sides of the fence respect him.”
Danny Trejo · 57:30

#respect#identity#redemption#legacy